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Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft Leads Initiative to Boost Broadband Adoption

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft is driving an initiative to increase content designed specifically for broadband Internet consumers, aiming to accelerate demand for higher-speed services. As part of this effort, Microsoft's Jumpstart initiative is expected to double broadband adoption within the next year. The company will roll out new content under the Windows Media Broadband Jumpstart brand by the end of the year, in collaboration with various companies, including DSL firms and cable modem ISPs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft's Jumpstart initiative aims to increase broadband adoption by providing content specifically designed for broadband Internet consumers.
  • The initiative is expected to double broadband adoption within the next year.
  • Microsoft is partnering with various companies, including DSL firms Covad Communications, NorthPoint Communications, and Rhythms NetConnections, and cable modem ISPs RoadRunner and High Speed Access Corp.
  • The new content will be rolled out under the Windows Media Broadband Jumpstart brand by the end of the year.
  • Several streaming media companies, including iBEAM Broadcasting and Intertainer, are also joining the initiative.
  • Companies joining the initiative include a mix of DSL and cable modem ISPs, but Bell companies and ExciteAtHome are not part of the collaboration.

Statistics:

  • 66% of chief information officers (CIOs) are concerned about e-commerce taxes (U.S. Chamber of Commerce).
  • Microsoft's Jumpstart initiative aims to double broadband adoption within the next year.
  • The number of new cybercenters being added by Qwest is 7 (Qwest).
  • The revenue generated by Qwest's 3-year data storage venture with Hewlett-Packard is expected to be $200 million in the first year and up to $1.5 billion over the life of the deal (Qwest).
  • The market size for Web-hosting and other applications is expected to reach $100 billion in 2 years (Qwest).

Sources:

  • "Microsoft Announces Broadband Initiative; Expands Broadband Offerings to Consumers" (Microsoft).
  • "66% of CIOs Fear E-Tax Repercussions" (U.S. Chamber of Commerce).
  • "Qwest Signs Three-Year Deal to Expand Web Hosting Capacity" (Qwest).
  • "Qwest Announces CyberCenter Expansion and 3-Year Data Storage Venture with Hewlett-Packard" (Qwest).
  • "AT&T Wireless Services Announces ePlane Service" (AT&T Wireless Services).
  • "New Hosting and Storage Services Offered by NameIT Corporation" (NameIT Corporation).
  • "Survey of IT Executives at Large and Small Companies Finds High Anxiety about Y2K Bug Fixing" (ExciteAtHome was not mentioned as part of the survey).

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